Disclaimer:
The Hifiman RE400 were kindly sent to me by Mark of HIFIMAN, for which I thank you very much. I’m an old model (10 years of honorable service), probably in dismantling.
Nevertheless, every headset enriches my package of experience in this world.
Like all other reviews, this one will be honest and not influenced in any way.
Having received a boxless version this time, the unboxing opening will be skipped.
Hifiman RE400 Tech Specs:
- Titanium-Coated 8.5mm drivers custom designed by HIFIMAN
- Compact size utilizing powerful Neodymium magnets
- Oxygen-Free Copper Cabling
- Advanced ergonomics for comfort and extended listening
- Stylish design and lightweight
- 3.5mm mini plug
- Mini adapter for regular earphone jack
- Frequency Response: 15Hz–22kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Rated: 10mW
- Weight: 0.45 oz (12.9g)
Hifiman RE400 Accessories:
From the rush to try them, I must have missed some accessory, or maybe not being a store version has some less accessory. However, included in the sale box, you will find:
- 7 pairs of tips
- Replacement filters
- A clip
- Storage for transport
For the price requested to date, the standard equipment is quite expensive! The tips are definitely weird, from very small to huge, but I have to say that among all, I found my favorites.
Hifiman RE400 Design/Build quality:
The Hifiman RE400 stands out at first sight for its extra-small size. They are so small that they almost disappear in many people’s ears. If you do not pay attention, you may lose them in the hearing canal! I’m kidding, of course! The shell is super miniaturized and made of fine CNC aluminum, but the cable is thin. In the first, it is coated but overall very rigid and looks undurable. In my case, I have a maniacal cure, so they will last forever anyway.
Initial sound impression:
At first hearing, they seemed very veiled and frankly did not sound very well; maybe they came from a warehouse, but after leaving them in operation for a while, the situation turned.
Their sound was definitely different, better in every way, which was surprising given their size! I was already surprised by the sound of other microdrivers that I had found in the Kbear Dumplig, but these are on a very different level.
Since they probably really came from some storage remnants, I left them burn-in for 50 hours at high volumes.
Hifiman RE400 Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above:
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 (MIUI Based)
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)
DAC:
- Hidizs S9 Pro (ESS)
- F.audio KS01 (ESS)
- EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
- Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
- Lessfox DA1 (AK)
Fortunately, in the tips included in the package, I found the double flanges that fit me like a glove, isolate me perfectly, and allow me to insert them in depth.
I’m not listing the tracks because they’re too many.
My impressions are given using the original accessories.
What makes significant improvements is deep insertion, so if you can’t find tips that work for you, look for double or triple flange ones.
I would never have imagined that such quality could be achieved with such small drivers.
The Hifiman RE400 is a balanced IEM with a touch of warmth. For what they cost now, they are excellent and also incredible. The tuning is smooth as fuck!
The tuning is definitely free of annoying peaks. It might be boring to some, but it’s not terribly neutral either. In the bass region, there is definitely emphasis and good speed. The voices, however, are slightly veiled, perhaps a little nasal sometimes. The musical instruments have a coherent tone, but it is their separation that is most surprising. The highs maintain a very good amount of detail without ever being sibilant or harsh.
The thing that surprised me the most, however, is the total absence of distortion, even at very high volumes. They handle the maximum volume of my DACs like nothing.
Hifiman RE400 Soundstage and Imaging:
Keep in mind that the soundstage is enveloping in width. Imaging is really good with a precise separation. Make sure to have a deep insertion, and you can feel the magic of this tiny titanium-coated driver. I have listened to jazz, R&B, pop, EDM, and chill music.
Comparison:
I thought I’d compare headphones that remain in the same price range. It goes without saying that the RE400 can compete in the price range at which it was released 10 years ago, even today.
The Moondrop CHU II is excellent, but the tuning is V-shaped, and the bass is very emphasized. If you are not into headphones that tend towards balancedness, then you are better off not looking at the Hifiman RE 400.
vs Tanchijm Zero and One
They have a certain resemblance to the Tanchjim Zero, but I would say that the Hifiman RE400 has a decidedly more pleasant and warm tuning. The Zeros are excellent for neutrality and detail, but their comfort has always been quite terrible. The One is slightly over budget but is worth mentioning and considering as they are also excellent. They have more pronounced bass and treble and a larger soundstage sensation.
Before trying these Hifiman RE400, they were my favorites extra small in-ears. The dumplings have a much warmer sound; the bass is dominant but also has less detail and a decidedly more nasal timbre. For about the same price, I would choose the Hifiman, but the build quality is better on the Dumpling.
Conclusion:
At the new price at which the Hifiman RE400 is offered, it is definitely unbeatable. They have certainly gone out of production and are running out of stock. If we also consider their extra-small format, they are in an unrivaled category. If you have the chance, definitely get a pair! Not being too neutral, they adapt to every musical genre, and being so small, they fit practically every ear. A real taste of HI-FI without spending too much! The only thing they require is to be used with care due to their very weak cable, if you are clumsy you should avoid them.
7.5/10
Pros:
- Just 20 USD for USA & Canada
- Shell quality is good
- Extra tuning filters
- More comfortable than many others
- Balanced tuning
- Natural Bass
- Good details
- Pretty good image and soundstage width
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Fixed cable
- Tips could be better quality
- Slightly veiled voices
- Cable is rigid and seems quite bad
Where to buy?
